Ferguson is a huge admirer of the progress Everton have made during Moyes' 11-year reign at the club - especially given the tight budget the Scot has had to operate within.

"He's had 10 years at Everton - you don't survive 10 years in this game without making progress," he said.

"His ability is obvious. Whether he gets in the top four doesn't change my opinion of him, or anyone else's.

"They have a genuine chance of being in the top four. The title race is between ourselves and City, but after that you've got Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, Everton and even Liverpool, who are starting to get more consistency after that result last weekend.

"But Everton are there on merit. They are a difficult opponent. They have only lost three games, so they are obviously hard to beat. And that's in the mould of David Moyes."